Event

Christian Lopez & Joe Taxi w/ Chelsea McBee

CHRISTIAN LOPEZ & JOE TAXIChristian Lopez & Joe Taxi is a trio from the northern hills of West Virginia. Their roots of American Folk, Rock, and Country music gleam through them with every song and every performance. Christian Lopez, the songwriter, vocalist, and guitarist of the band, has introduced a new sound and new approach to Folkrock, with intense drums and bass, yet melodic and arranged melodies that make every song very special. The recent release of "I Will Remain" is a great example of this. Along with show that will captivate any audience member, the band is accessible and eager to meet new fans. Christian's original music such as "Will I See You Again", and "As Far As I May Go" have had radio play in West Virginia and Pennsylvania and have debuted nationally March of 2013. The Jackson Browne and Johnny Cash flavor catch the attention of many, and introduce a completely new feel to folk music. Christian Lopez & Joe Taxi has also had national success as the winners of the 2012 WVU Coca Cola Battle of the Bands, 2012 Moonstruck Battle of the Bands, and 2012 The Ottobar Battle of the Bands. The trio went on to play on The Vans Warped Tour 2012, The 9:30 Club in Washington DC and Pickin' in the Panhandle in addition to over 150 other shows since 2012. Christian's musicianship allows him to explore many different directions in a single performance, such as his ability to play acoustic & electric guitar, harmonica, piano, banjo, mandolin, bass, and he can sing his heart out. Which led him to his American Idol success on Season 11 and 12, making it to the top 37 men Season 12.

The chemistry of Christian Lopez & Joe Taxi is delivered to every person, in every crowd, everywhere they go. The music is what they represent, the love for the songs, and what you will get out of a show will be an experience of pure jubilance, energy, and heart. And wherever they are tonight, that is what someone will find.

CHELSEA MCBEE"Chelsea McBee's style of voice plays wonderfully into her roots-sounding mantra, all while maintaining her loyalty to a clear country music-bred background. Or, in other words, think about what it would be like if Norah Jones and Dolly Parton could have a daughter and that daughter just happened to grow up in West Virginia." - Colin McGuire, Frederick News PostFor the last 6 years McBee has been touring and recording and is quickly gaining popularity. Born and raised in Shepherdstown, WV, McBee quotes the old-time WV banjo tunes that she learned as major influences in her style of playing and her songwriting. She began playing claw-hammer banjo in the summer of 2005 and has been working on traditional tunes as well as writing original songs since then. Her unique, inviting voice pairs well with the distinctive sound of her 5-string. Artists such as Gillian Welch, Anais Mitchell, Feist, Bonnie Rait, Steve Earl, Tom Waits and John Prine have all inspired this young songstress. "I love good songwriting and I love interesting vocalists. I strive to achieve both".

Chelsea McBee and The Random Assortment consists of McBee on banjo, Ben Witman on mandolin, Jeremy Rodgers on upright bass and they are occasionally joined by Teresa McBee and Melody Massimino singing those down-home mountain harmonies. The group has been playing and performing together for the better part of a year and continues to grow as a group. Their creative interpretation of the traditional tunes along with instrument swapping and medleys make for an entertaining show!McBee will get up and sing a WV tune, a catchy melody, a bare-boned a capella, and then a sultry tango piece all with the banjo. She worked with The Fox Hunt (www.myspace.com/lefoxhunt) for her debut album 'Don't Close Your Eyes'. Their WV string band energy behind McBee's lyrics make for an entertaining mix. Her tunes offer a variety of sound and heart stirring emotion, which will only serve to broaden her fan base. McBee's latest projects include a sophomore release titled 'Put This In Your Jar (and sip it)' which features some original tracks as well as some traditional tunes, and introducing some new band members to her live show, including her mother and sister adding the classic family style harmonies that always steal the show.